Stephen Cohn is internationally recognized for his compositions for the concert stage, feature films and television. His commissioned work has been performed and recorded by the finest orchestras and chamber ensembles in the United States and Europe, including the Arditti Quartet, the Prague Philharmonic, the Chroma String Quartet and many others. About another Cohn work, Richard Ginell of the Los Angeles Times wrote, “Of the other pieces on Sunday’s program, Stephen Cohn’s Sea Change made the biggest impression. The lyrical sections had attractive, pertinent things to say; the driving sections had substance and momentum that roared headlong toward the finish line.” Referring to the same piece, Rodney Punt wrote for LAOpus, “It [Sea Change] was a standout work and performance.”

Pacific Serenades is honored to present an opportunity to hear some of the very best musicians in Southern California - indeed in the country – interpret works of Mozart, Poulenc, Saint-Saëns and contemporary composer Stephen Cohn. We are extremely fortunate to welcome back Joanne Pearce Martin, principal keyboardist for LA Philharmonic and a regular performer with Pacific Serenades over the past 15 years. Jennifer Johnson is Principal Oboe of the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra (SBCO), and performs regularly with the Santa Barbara Symphony. The remarkable Richard Todd, Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), is one of the finest horn soloists performing today. Rounding out the quintet are Gary Gray, former principal clarinetist with LACO and founding member of Pacific Serenades, and Judith Farmer, principal bassoonist with SBCO, who has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, LACO, LA Opera, among many other fine ensembles.